INTRODUCTION

    Using SMS on a Windows Mobile device can be annoying because the messages aren’t threaded. This is a feature that we’ve hoped Microsoft would have included by now, but they haven’t. VITO Technology has recently released a solution for those of us that crave IM-like SMS conversations as found in other operating systems. Is SMS-Chat just a novelty, or does it make SMS much more usable? Read on to see!

WHAT’S HOT

    The hot factor for this application is that it threads the messages together. It is not as sophisticated as other applications that thread messages such as Extreme Text on the Motorola Q, however SMS-Chat works with the operating system rather than the make of phone, so it has more usability despite being a less sophisticated product. There is certainly room for development as you’ll see soon.

SETUP

   Setting up SMS Chat was as easy as using it. Once loaded I used the ‘About’ function to register my version using a 4 digit code.

This is the ‘About’ window showing activated SMS-Chat, followed by the instructions to activate the phone from the ‘Help’ section.

PRODUCT FEATURES

   SMS-Chat threads text messages from a conversation together so that you can read the incoming texts and your replies to them sequentially without having to maneuver in and out of your Inbox and Sent Items. The program is found in programs and once activated can be opened from the Start menu. SMS-Chat can be used for new conversations, or for conversations that have already started.

The icon (circled in red) starts messages that will form the threaded conversation. Then in the following diagram it shows that messages are written as with text messages, by using the touch screen keyboard, or by using the keyboard on the handset itself.

Messages received are then visible in sequence to the messages you send.

    There are a series of simple menus that are available. Firstly, the main menu shows six options. ‘About’ simply shows the version of the application, ‘Help’ activates a useful online manual that will be discussed further on. ‘Minimize’ reduces SMS-Chat and ‘Exit’ closes the application down. From either option, SMS-Chat is opened again from the Start menu.

    ‘Language’ allows the user to select from a number of different languages. I particularly like this piece of functionality as I have friends from Spain and France and it would be useful to be able to switch the language function to cater for them.

    Once in the throes of a conversation, there is a smaller menu relating to the messages and contacts. The menu is dynamic depending on whether the contact you are conversing with already exists in your contacts or not. In the first diagram, the menu allows the user to ‘Add contact’ because the message recipient is not listed in Contacts. The second diagram recognizes the contact is recorded so allows you to ‘View Contact.’

SMS-Chat works alongside FunContact, also by VITO Technologies. On selecting ‘Add Contact’ you are encouraged to download FunContact is you do not already have it. Check out our recent review of FunContact.

On viewing a contact, you can see the details that are saved for that person.

    The next option on the message menu is the ‘Add Recipient’ option which allows you to copy in other people to your conversation. The ‘Add Recipient’ feature is useful as it allows you to add multiple contacts to the conversation. This can become a conference call by text!

The third option of the message menu is ‘Delete Chat’ allowing you to delete conversations so that they do not clog up the application.

And finally, SMS-Chat allows for pop up notifications of new SMS, with a preview. This is a very welcomed addition, though I wish the graphics were a little nicer.

HELP SUPPORT

    The Help program for SMS-Chat is an online source that is opened from SMS-Chat when you select the ‘Help’ option. It is also available in PDF format through the iwindows mobile website. The Help manual provides simple steps for each of the maneuvers listed in the manual. It’s quick and easy to follow, just like SMS-Chat!

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

    size=2>SMS-Chat works on Windows Mobile 5.0 and 6 Pocket PC/Professional.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
I have a few wishes. First, the appearance could be more sophisticated and refined. For example, it would be nice to see a profile picture alongside a message (or at least the option to turn this on). Perhaps there could be a few different skins of different colors and shapes within the program.

    Second, to add a contact with the program you have to use VITO FunContact. Though we reviewed and liked FunContact, you shouldn’t have to have additional software to use certain program functionality.

    And finally, the tested version is only for Pocket PC/Professional devices. There is no version for Smartphone/Standard users at this time.

PURCHASING

   
You can purchase SMS-Chat from the pocketnow.com Store for $14.95. They do provide a trial.

PROS

• 
  

  Threaded messaging is clear and easy to read

• Intuitive
• Pop up notification of new messages
• 
  

  Works alongside standard text application

CONS

• 
  

  The appearance could be more sophisticated

• 
  

  To add contacts you have to have VITO FunContact

• No Smartphone/Standard version

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    I really like SMS-Chat. It resolved the issue that I always have when holding conversation by text, of having to jump in and out of the Inbox and Sent Items to keep track of the conversation. It is a simple application that does not have any adverse effects on other applications on the PDA. I can say with all confidence that I would use this a lot and recommend it to those who conduct a lot of conversations by text.